Meanwhile the countdown for a bigger (?!) announcement continues...

If you're worried that Namco Bandai just crushed your hearts by announcing a Tales mobile game that may or may not get localized, fear not! The big countdown we mentioned the other day is still counting down. If you're curious about the new tactical RPG for Android coming this summer to Japan, read on!

Familiar characters from throughout the series battle on in a new world with an original story. Of course the first question then, is which characters? Here are just some of them—note that all the illustrations are freshly drawn for this game:

Lloyd Irving (Tales of Symphonia)

Norma Beatty (Tales of Legendia)

Guy Cecil (Tales of the Abyss)

Natalia L. K. Lanvaldear (Tales of the Abyss)

Rubia Natwick (Tales of the Tempest)

Flynn Scifo (Tales of Vesperia)

Sophie (Tales of Graces)

Asbel Lhant (Tales of Graces)

There are also two new mascot characters, Terun (left) and Nahato (right):

Check out some more screenshots:

One thing that might be fun for long-time series fans is making larger parties than you are used to from the normal RPGs.

Of course you'll be able to use Mystic Arts and other special moves.

Since it's a smartphone game, you tap and flick to change screens in the menu.

Tales of the World: Tactics Union is free, but there are items to buy. The game is slated to hit AU's SmartPass Android platform [in Japan] on July 2nd.